How much would you pay for Joel Ward and Greg Zanon?

by Dirk Hoag on Jun 19, 2009 4:15 PM EDT

In a radio interview on 104.5 "The Zone" Thursday afternoon, Nashville Predators GM David Poile was asked about the negotiations with some of the team's upcoming free agents. In particular, we got some insight as to how things are going with Greg Zanon and Joel Ward, two cases which involve role players seeking hefty pay increases this summer.

With Zanon, Poile suggested that his agent is looking for something 2.5-3 times what he made this last season ($750K, according to NHLNumbers.com). That would indicate roughly the $1.8 - $2.2 million range.

Ward's agent is supposedly looking for a three-fold increase for his client, which translates to $1.5 million per year.

So what do you think, Predators fans? At those prices, are either or both of those players worth keeping? Take a look at how the contracts shape up for the season ahead (include Alexander Sulzer on the blueline at $800K), and make your suggestion as to how Poile should proceed...

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I think Zanon in the 1.5-1.8 range for a pretty short term would be reasonable.

Ward maybe 1 million a year for 2 years, you have to wonder if the guy can keep it up since he came out of nowhere

by blarg on Jun 19, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

I think those numbers for both Zanon and Ward are very reasonable.

by Predmaniac on Jun 19, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

I'm loving the new users!

Chime in with a fanpost too! It’s pretty lonely on that sidebar

Welcome to Smashville, Tennessee.
Official Graphic Designer/Researcher of MCM.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Jun 20, 2009 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

yea ward, nea zanon

while z does what he does better than our other dmen, 2 mil is too high for this franchise now. we need money spent on scoring and have a logjam building in milw at dman. im open to a cheaper vet with his skills short term or go with sulzer and franson as 3rd pairing.remember blum will be here in another year. that option does leave us a little thin/inexperienced though. as far as ward. he is one of our larger, stronger, more physical forwards. he can get to the net, works corners well, 2nd best for checker, behind philstrom,scores a decent amount of goals, excellent on the pk and good enough to play on power play. he is competent on any of the 4 lines. name one other player on our roster that fits those abilities. thats right , there isnt one. sign him today. 2 years at 2.5 or 3 for 3.75 and i bet he takes it.

by predswilrule on Jun 20, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions